I'm only postulating here, but I have a strong suspicion that my ability to get past it as well I have (not perfectly, but I don't have nightmares or break into a sweat when I hear police sirens - although it does remind me almost every time) is because I had to give the impression to my kids that there was nothing to worry about; this is not a big deal; this is not traumatic and will not change the course of your life.
> It completely changed the way I see the police and the criminal justice system. The process is, in of itself, punishment.
One million times this. Even if it's not completely true at it's base, it's true for those unfortunate enough to have experienced this.
One of the funny (?) things about it, is that most of the individual officers were nice enough people, personable (other than one inflammatory officer who should not be employed in a role that comes into contact with people), one even gave the cat a pat. It's the system / systems, and likely the perverse incentives for their monthly stats.
I'm glad I didn't end up needing legal representation.
The way I deal with it is to actively let it go, forgive the situation in my mind, treat it as one of those anomalous circumstances that happen every second on a global scale. Treat it as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and an opportunity to be thankful that it's not my 'normal'.
> It completely changed the way I see the police and the criminal justice system. The process is, in of itself, punishment.
One million times this. Even if it's not completely true at it's base, it's true for those unfortunate enough to have experienced this.
One of the funny (?) things about it, is that most of the individual officers were nice enough people, personable (other than one inflammatory officer who should not be employed in a role that comes into contact with people), one even gave the cat a pat. It's the system / systems, and likely the perverse incentives for their monthly stats.
I'm glad I didn't end up needing legal representation.
The way I deal with it is to actively let it go, forgive the situation in my mind, treat it as one of those anomalous circumstances that happen every second on a global scale. Treat it as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and an opportunity to be thankful that it's not my 'normal'.